Compare Unlimited Data Internet Plans

Australian households are gobbling up data like never before, and internet service providers have responded to our demands with ‘unlimited data’ offerings to keep us satisfied. But not all unlimited internet plans are as good as they sound. In this report, Canstar Blue looks at the best value unlimited broadband plans on offer, depending on which type of fixed line connection you have – ADSL2+, Naked DSL, cable or NBN.

Before we go into detail, it’s important to say that unlimited data might not be for everyone. A great many households could comfortably get by with just 500GBs of data or less. It’s all about understanding your data usage and finding an appropriate internet plan that best matches your needs. If you’re not going to need an endless supply of data, then why pay for it?

However, if you regularly find yourself hitting your data limit – and subsequently your head – month after month, then it might be time to consider going unlimited. Unlimited broadband plans get rid of the pesky speed throttling that you may have experienced when going over your limit. So, where can you find the best value unlimited data plans at Australia?

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Cheapest Unlimited NBN Internet Plans

The National Broadband Network is available in an increasing number of areas. You’ll find unlimited plans at all NBN speed tiers, so the cheapest will most likely come at Tier 1 level, but you’ll have to consider if it’s better ‘value’ to pay a little more and get faster max speeds.

At these low prices you’ll also have to consider hefty set-up fees and the fact that most don’t include any sort of VoIP calling packs.

To get these packs you’ll usually have to spend at least an extra $10 or so per month

However with NBN you rarely have to contend with line rental and instead just get straight broadband if you want to. Below are some of the cheapest unlimited plans we have in our database, available with a direct link to providers’ websites.

Tier 4 – 100/40

Tier 4 is the mac daddy of NBN plans, with advertised speeds of up to 100Mbps. This is most ideal for heavy broadband users who desire the most from their ISP. This tier is surprisingly good value with the introduction of ISP MyRepublic, which offers unlimited data for around under $90 a month. Vodafone also offers value, especially if you’re an existing mobile customer.

Below are some of the cheapest premium NBN plans on our database. These are featured products from a referral partner.

Tier 3 – 50/20

With download speeds up to 50Mbps, streaming and online gaming are made a breeze while uploading files and videos are made a breeze with the 20Mbps upload speed. As we’ve seen time and time again, the big two players – Telstra and Optus – are nowhere to be seen in the budget offerings. The cheapest plans we’ve seen are from providers such as Southern Phone, Flip, Exetel, and Tangerine.

Below are some of the cheapest NBN 50 plans on our database. These are featured products from a referral partner.

Tier 2 – 25/5

As the maximum speeds fall, so too do the prices (generally speaking). Tier 2 is the first ‘Superfast’ speed tier as designated by NBN Co, and it is possible to find unlimited plans under $70. With Tier 2 you can expect maximum speeds of around 25Mbps, which is usually more than adequate for HD Netflix and other streaming services, but could still get clogged up in peak times and with multiple people using the internet at once.

In our database, some of the cheapest plans include those from Flip, Tangerine, Vodafone and Dodo. With the wholesale NBN price changes in December 2017, many providers have moved away from this speed tier, with many more on the NBN 50 speed, so it may in fact be hard to find a large range of providers! With that said, if you’re looking to save a buck or two, it may be worthwhile opting for a plan that isn’t exactly the cheapest, but one that has cheaper set-up fees and no lock-in contracts.

Below are some of the cheapest NBN 25 plans on our database. These are featured products from a referral partner.

Tier 1 – 12/1

Some of the cheapest NBN Tier 1 plans cost less than $60 a month, but the maximum speed you can achieve is 12Mbps, which is quite slow in this day and age. Particularly in regards to peak times, this speed tier is likely only good for the light user and likely cannot support multiple streams. Nevertheless, some of the cheapest providers in this space are Flip and, again, Tangerine and Exetel.

Below are some of the cheapest basic NBN plans on our database. These are featured products from a referral partner.

Unlimited ADSL2+ Plans

The cheapest unlimited ADSL2+ plan you’ll currently find is available from Dodo, priced at just $20 a month. That’s a low price, and it’s on a no-contract basis. However, the Dodo option will result in fairly common upfront costs totaling $99. By contrast the 24 month contract option does not attract such a fee.

After Dodo, keep an eye out for providers like AusBBS,Belong and Barefoot Telecom. While the cheapest providers generally offer something offer under $50 a month, keep in mind that they often come with hefty set-up fees.

However, in Barefoot’s example, you’re paying a little more per month but there are no set-up fees, and no fees to change your plan, but you will need to source your own home phone line.

You also need to consider the fact that many don’t include line rental or home phone calls, which purchasing separately could cost an extra $20-$30 a month or thereabouts. In this case it may be worth finding a provider that charges more per month at face-value but includes a home phone line.

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Cheapest Unlimited ADSL with Line Rental

It’s perhaps no surprise that the cheapest providers without line rental are among the cheapest providers that include line rental. However, you can see below that these plans commonly cost $30 more, which is the cost burden of having an active home phone line.

For this extra price you also often don’t get any calls included – for this you can look at paying an extra $10. In this area, Dodo and AusBBS are once again some of the cheapest, but also keep an eye out for SpinTel and TPG.

Optus even comes to the game with a cheap $65 plan that is worth a look into.

Once again, keep an eye out for set-up costs, modem fees and other costs that can balloon out the cost of your first month.

Unlimited Naked DSL plans

Feel stripped-bare and free your inhibitions with a naked broadband plan. If you don’t need or want an active phone landline, then Naked DSL plans are a good option as line rental fees do not apply. So no pesky phone bundle and often a month to month contract – what could be more flexible than that?!

Often naked internet appeals to renters or students who like the flexibility without being tied down to a plan for two years. However, overall costs can still be higher on a monthly basis.

The cheapest Naked DSL plans come in at just under $70 a month with

Overall it’s a pretty tight race, with providers reluctant to offer anything much cheaper than $70 a month. With these prices you can expect popular providers like MyRepublic, TPG, iiNet and Internode to crop up.
While these ADSL plans all seem similar, you have to consider if you want to BYO modem, or have one provided. Service providers like to jack up upfront costs if you don’t supply your own. If you want ultimate flexibility, then choosing a plan with a lower upfront cost may prove beneficial.

Unlimited Cable Internet Plans

Cable broadband can reach the pinnacle of speed available currently in Australia. With maximum download speeds of up to 100Mbps, these plans are only available from Optus and Telstra. They are the two foremost providers in Australia after all, which have provided all the groundwork for other providers. Only the former offers unlimited plans starting from $60 per month. For a bit extra, you can get an entertainment package that includes Yes TV by Fetch, which is a great home entertainment and streaming service.

Telstra’s cable internet plans do come with unlimited data, the cheapest of which costs $99 but comes with the bonus of Telstra TV, through which you can watch Netflix and Stan. You can also add Foxtel for an additional cost, with some plans including it at no extra cost. Ultimately, there’s little competition in this category, and it’s relatively tit-for-tat between Optus and Telstra. While Telstra plans have less data, Telstra TV and Foxtel are an attractive bonus for those of us who like streaming – and we suspect many do.

The Final Word on Unlimited Data Broadband Plans

Regardless of which type of broadband you’re looking for, once you’ve narrowed down a few plans that tickle your fancy, it’s worth diving into the small print to make sure that you know exactly what you’re going to be getting for your money.

As we’ve seen, costs can increase significantly if you don’t have the required hardware for your new plan, or simply because some providers charge higher set-up fees.

Any monthly savings could be largely negated if you have to pay $100 or more just to get the data rolling in the first place.

Overall, there’s a lot to consider before deciding on an unlimited data internet plan, and cheapest doesn’t always equal ‘best’. It pays to do your research and compare every possible option. This isn’t just dollars and cents – the right provider could leave you much happier when it comes to all things internet.

The amount of data the provider has advertised for the billing period of their plan.

Billing periods usually range from 28 to 31 days, but can vary - contact the provider for the billing period costs and inclusions.

Actual product inclusions can be found on the provider’s website.

^^Advertised Cost/Billing Period

The advertised cost the provider has advertised for the billing period of the plan.

Billing periods usually range from 28 to 31 days, but can vary - contact the provider for the billing period costs and inclusions.

Actual product inclusions can be found on the provider’s website.

The search results do not include all providers or products, and may not compare all features relevant to you.

By clicking on a plan name, brand logo, 'arrow' button, 'go to site' or 'details' button, you may leave Canstar Blue and be taken to a referral partner website. You agree that Canstar Blue’s Referral Terms apply to this referral.

Advertised data (per billing, and monthly cost as shown in the table may not be the same as the amounts per billing period. Contact Provider for the billing period costs and inclusions.

Some providers may cap the provision of unlimited data at maximum speed. Once this cap is reached the provider will then revert you to a slower speed. See providers website for more details.

By clicking on a brand, 'go to site' or ‘details’ button, you will leave Canstar Blue and be taken to our referral partner to compare. Canstar Blue may be paid for this referral. You agree that Canstar Blue’s terms and conditions apply to this referral.

To our knowledge, all information in articles on the Canstar Blue website was correct at the time of publication. This information may have changed over time. Refer to the product fact sheet (or relevant similar documentation) before making any purchase decision. Canstar Blue's website terms and conditions apply.